Our feet are susceptible to ailments just as the rest of our body is. Here are some more common ones and whether they are serious or not. Verrucas are warts that form on the bottom of our feet due to human papillomavirus. Verrucas are contagious but are generally not a serious medical issue. Athlete’s foot is a different infection of the foot that is caused by a fungus rather than a virus. Similar to verrucas, athlete’s foot is also generally not a serious health concern and will go away. Toenail fungus, a fungal infection of the toenails, is also generally not a serious health concern but can cause embarrassment for those who have it. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail begins to grow into the skin along the sides of the nail and can cause discomfort. While an ingrown toenail can be taken care of at home, it is recommended to see a podiatrist as they can treat it safely. Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe and can cause pain and discomfort. While podiatrists will attempt to treat a bunion with nonsurgical options, in some cases, surgery may be deemed necessary. While there are many more foot conditions, this is meant as a brief overview of some of them. While most of the ones listed here are generally not dangerous, it’s not a bad idea to see a podiatrist as they can provide better treatments and help your feet heal faster. Finally, if you are diabetic, it is strongly advised that you see a podiatrist for any foot-related abnormality.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.